In a precedent-setting case heard in March 2014, Cameron Mathieson’s family challenged the DLA regulations, which stop financial support when a child has spent more than 84 days in hospital.
Cameron spent more than two years in hospital with complex medical needs, and had his DLA stopped as a result. But after his death in 2012, at the age of five, his family continued their legal challenge against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
They said the removal of benefits caused them financial hardship as they balanced being Cameron’s primary caregivers with looking after their other children.
The case is the first time that the Supreme Court has found in favour of a claimant in a social security case. The court’s decision has led charities Contact A Family and The Children’s Trust to urge the government to act urgently on the court’s ruling.
They are calling for the government to issue guidance so that similar unlawful decisions are not made, and to scrap the DLA’s rule that a payment should stop when a child has been in hospital for more than 84 days.
A DWP spokesman said it is "considering the judgment carefully".
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
